It all started in the summer of 1989 as an idea born out of necessity. Football in general was very much in vogue, the local children at Welland Primary School had a football pitch next door and lots of enthusiasm, but no-one to organise them. At the school football was not a regular part of the curriculum, with the 5 female teachers not overly confident of organising matches within the school, and not comfortable in accepting offers to play other schools.

Peter Manion came up with the idea of starting a Saturday morning football club on the field next to the school to provide an outlet for all that enthusiasm. He approached Gordon Algeo to help him, and on the first morning in October they waited to see if anyone would turn up. At 5 minutes to 1 0.00 there were only 2 boys, but by the end of the first session there had been 22, and Football Club had been born. Initially it was called Welland Primary Football Club and was only open to the pupils from the school with the age range typically only 8 to 11.

Encouraged by the Headmistress Mrs Richardson, the venture grew steadily in popularity and numbers. More and more dads joined in to help with the coaching sessions including John Craddock, Don Atkinson, Dave Amerson, Dave Waite and Lee Dyment without all of whom the club could not have survived, as the numbers grew to around 80 children during the first year. It was around this time that Karen Manion took on the unenviable role of secretary to co-ordinate all the internal and external activities.

The early objectives of the club were simply to provide coaching, and enjoyment whilst helping the children to develop their skills in a non competitive environment. Ability never was (and still isn't) a criteria for being eligible to join the club. In the early years the club didn't take part in the Mercian League, only playing friendly matches against other local sides and helping out the school when they took part in the local Small Schools Tournaments. After about 4 years the next obvious step was finally taken and a side was entered into the Mercian League at Under 12's on a Sunday afternoon. The inevitable then followed, with the Under 12's moving up to the Under 13's the following season with the club entering a new side at Under 12's. This steadily progressed until there were 5 sides playing at every level from Under 12's to Under 16's and even Welland Youth participating in the Stourport League at Under 17's. It was during this period that the club was re-named to Welland Juniors and became affiliated to the FA.

The age range of the club naturally grew with the youngest now starting at 5, and the number of pitches, coaches and helpers increasing proportionately, some of whom are now approaching the end of their 11th consecutive season. The ethos and beliefs of the club have still not changed over those 11 years. It is still only non-competitive football for the younger age groups, with the emphasis just as much on development and fun as it ever was. Even with the older age groups, where many championships and cups have been collected over the years, there is still a balance being achieved in using the whole squad as much as possible.

Welland Juniors has grown over recent years to a membership base of over 250 children using 4 different locations on a Saturday morning and a Sunday afternoon. The last few years have seen a committee introduced to steer the club, a constitution to guide it, team managers at every level, FA coaching awards and first aid training, fundraising throughout the year and sponsorship at most levels. With more and more girls now showing an interest, in line with the national trend, and some of the 'old boys' now returning to help with the coaching of the younger ones there is just as bright a future for the club as there ever was.